Chapter 8 - THE STRIKE
Frank froze.
His two thugs spun around instantly.
Standing in the doorway was Viktor.
Behind him stood four massive men in dark suits, their hands tucked neatly inside their tailored jackets.
Frank narrowed his eyes, pulling his hand away from me.
"This is O'Connor territory, Russian," Frank spat, trying to sound brave.
"You're far from home."
Viktor stepped into the diner, his movement fluid and precise.
He ignored Frank entirely, looking at me instead.
"Are you unharmed, Miss Elena?" Viktor asked politely.
"I'm... I'm fine, Viktor," I breathed, relief washing over me.
Viktor turned his gaze back to Frank.
His eyes were completely void of emotion.
"Mr. Volkov has acquired all debts associated with this property," Viktor announced smoothly.
He pulled a set of legal documents from his jacket and dropped them onto the counter.
"The O'Connor family has been paid in full."
"Including interest."
"This establishment is now under the personal protection of the Volkov Syndicate."
Frank stared at the papers in disbelief.
" paid? You can't just buy out our loans!"
"It is already done," Viktor said quietly.
"Now... you and your men have five seconds to leave this premises."
"If you ever return..."
"If you ever speak to Miss Elena again..."
Viktor leaned in closer to Frank, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper.
"Mr. Volkov will personally ensure you are fed to the fish in Lake Michigan."
Frank’s face turned red with anger, but he wasn't stupid.
He looked at the four armed security guards standing behind Viktor.
He knew he was completely outmatched.
"This isn't over," Frank muttered, glaring at me one last time.
"Tell your boss O'Connor won't forget this."
Frank and his thugs shoved past the guards and stormed out into the morning light.
The heavy door slammed shut behind them.
Silence settled over the diner.
Marco was practically hyperventilating behind the kitchen door.
I leaned against the counter, trying to catch my breath.
Viktor walked over to me, bowing his head slightly.
"Mr. Volkov sends his regards, Miss Elena," Viktor said softly.
"He wants you to know that your debt is officially cleared."
"You are free."
I looked at the signed paperwork sitting on the counter.
The oppressive weight that had been crushing my chest for the past year was suddenly gone.
I was free of the loan sharks.
My diner was safe.
"Where is Mikhail?" I asked, looking up at Viktor.
"Mr. Volkov is currently handling high-level matters," Viktor answered carefully.
"However... he asked if you would be free for dinner again tonight."
"This time... at a place of your choosing."
I looked at the clean papers, then out the window at the sunny street.
A small smile touched my lips.
"Tell him..." I said quietly.
"Tell him I'll prepare dinner right here."
May you like
"At eight o'clock."
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